I believe these stories exist because we sometimes need to create unreal monsters and bogies to stand in for all the things we fear in our real lives: the parent who punches instead of kissing, the auto accident that takes a loved one, the cancer we one day discover living in our own bodies. If such terrible occurrences were acts of darkness, they might actually be easier to cope with. But instead of being dark, they have their own terrible brilliance. . . and none shine so bright as the acts of cruelty we sometimes perpetrate in our own families.

Summary

This quote suggests that we often create fictional stories and monsters as a way to symbolize the real-life fears and uncertainties we face. These stories serve as a substitute for the dark realities we experience, such as abusive parents, tragic accidents, or life-threatening illnesses. By personifying these fears, we are able to distance ourselves from them and perhaps find solace or comfort in the idea that these horrors can be contained within the realm of fiction. Additionally, the quote highlights the sad reality that sometimes the most cruel and hurtful acts are committed within our own families, which can be even more devastating than external sources of fear.

Topics